Will Enzinger’s Aquifer gets his nose in front again at Adelaide
Press Release | Eventing – Australia’s Will Enzinger today claimed victory in the dressage in Adelaide (AUS) at the FEI Classics™ – second leg of this prestigious series uniting the world’s six four-star Eventing competitions – with his 12-year-old Thoroughbred, Wenlock Aquifer.
This gelding by Alannan won a maiden race at Adelaide’s Victoria Park Racecourse back in 2006 over 900 metres, and today as the first of the ten combinations to contest the four-star dressage phase, Enzinger and Wenlock Aquifer took the lead with 51.80 penalties and held it.
“I am really happy being in this position and Aquifer is well prepared for this competition,” said Enzinger.
“The cross country course tomorrow will be tougher than last year – everything has been tightened up. Where last year we had two strides, this year we have one, and there is more room for error. I just have to go clear and fast.”
The Thoroughbreds usually shine on cross country day, but Hazel Shannon riding the glowing chestnut 11-year-old Clifford now holds second place with 52.10 penalties.
There is nothing extravagant about this Passing Shot gelding, but as Hazel said “he just keeps doing his job, he has the biggest heart”.
And this is just what is needed to tackle Mike Etherington-Smith’s challenging cross country course tomorrow, which runs through the spectacular Adelaide parklands surrounding the city.
Victorian veterinarian, Rowan Luxmore currently holds third place in this second leg of the FEI Classics™ series on 53.20 riding his home-bred Irish Sport Horse, Bells ‘N’ Whistles by Ard Black Cat.
”It is a dream to ride at this level,” said Luxmore, who is having his first four-star run this year. “This Adelaide FEI Classics event is amazing for us here in Australia.”
Tomorrow’s Cross Country phase – true test of #TwoHearts
Adelaide’s biggest ever crowd is expected for cross country day tomorrow.
Cross Country is the most exhilarating phase of Eventing, requiring determination, courage and unfailing trust between horse and rider to clear one imposing obstacle after another – a true test of #TwoHearts.
FEI Classics™ results – after Dressage:
1 Wilhelm Enzinger (AUS) Wenlock Aquifer 51.80
2 Hazel Shannon (AUS) Clifford 52.10
3 Rohan Luxmore (AUS) Bells ‘N Whistles 53.20
4 Stuart Tinney (AUS) War Hawk 56.40
5 Tegan Lush (AUS) Tempis Fugit 56.70
6 Shane Rose (AUS) Glenorchy South Park 59.10
7 Andrew Cooper (AUS) Evergem Perfection 59.70
8 Andy Daines (NZL) Spring Panorama 61.40
9 Wilhelm Enzinger (AUS) Britannica MVNZ 62.20
10 Emily Gray (AUS) Jocular Vision 77.10
FEI Classics™ 2016/2017 calendar
1 Les 4 Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) – 12-16 October 2016
2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) – 3-6 November 2016
3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) – 27-30 April 2017
4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) – 3-7 May 2017
5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL (GER) – 15-18 June 2017
6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) – 31 August-3 September 2017
Source: Press Release
